Now Forage

Apple (Malus): Background skin colour shifts from green toward yellow; seeds turn brown when ripe. Fruit separates from the spur with a gentle upward twist. Aroma develops near the base. Wild Malus fruit is often small and tart — excellent for cider and jelly.

Apricot: Golden-orange colour all over; red blush is fine but green means unripe. Gives slightly under thumb pressure and separates cleanly from the pit. Sweet, floral aroma. Short window — harvest daily once they start colouring.

Mulberry: Ripe when fully coloured (white, red, or black by species) and falls at a touch. Spread a sheet and shake the branches. Extremely perishable — process or eat immediately.